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The Monster and Other Stories   By: (1871-1900)

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Stephen Crane's collection of short stories, "The Monster and Other Stories," is a paradoxical ride through the depths of human emotions. The book captures our fascination with the dark and strange aspects of life, often exploring the line between reality and the supernatural.

One of the standout stories in this collection is "The Monster." Crane's skillful depiction of the narrator's descent into madness is both haunting and surreal. The story grips readers with a sense of unease as they witness the protagonist's unraveling mind and his desperate attempts to find meaning in his delusions. Through his vivid and evocative language, Crane expertly blurs the boundaries between dreams and reality, leaving readers questioning what is truly a monster and what is merely a product of human imagination.

In "His New Mittens," Crane addresses the themes of isolation and vulnerability. The story follows a young boy who is about to face his first day of school, only to have his prized possession, new mittens, stolen. Crane skillfully portrays the boy's fear and insecurity, highlighting the harsh realities of growing up. The narrative is poignant and resonates with anyone who has experienced the emotional turbulence of childhood.

"An Episode of War" stands out for its stark portrayal of the horrors of war. Crane delves into the chaos and confusion that soldiers face on the battlefield, capturing the fear and despair with brilliant authenticity. The story offers a tragic glimpse into the arbitrary nature of violence and the devastating impact it has on individual lives. Crane's writing exposes the futility and senselessness of war, prompting readers to question the very essence of human conflict.

Overall, "The Monster and Other Stories" is a thought-provoking and captivating read. Crane's ability to seamlessly blend the ordinary with the extraordinary creates a unique reading experience. Each story transports readers to a different world, exposing hidden truths and exploring the depths of the human psyche. While the collection may not be for the faint of heart, those who appreciate the macabre and the unsettling will find themselves engrossed in Crane's twisted tales.

First Page:

THE MONSTER AND OTHER STORIES

by

STEPHEN CRANE

[Illustration: "'If You Ain't Afraid, Go Do It Then'"]

Illustrated

New York and London Harper & Brothers Publishers 1899

Copyright, 1899, by Harper & Brothers. All rights reserved.

[Illustration: "'Henry Johnson! Rats!'"]

CONTENTS

The Monster

The Blue Hotel

His New Mittens

ILLUSTRATIONS

"'If You Ain't Afraid, Go Do It Then'"

"No One Would Have Suspected Him of Ever Having Washed a Buggy"

"'Henry Johnson! Rats!'"

"They Bowed and Smiled Until a Late Hour"

"The Band Played a Waltz"

"'What District?'"

In the Laboratory

"They Did Not Care Much for John Shipley"

"'If I Get Six Dollehs for Bo'ding Hennery Johnson, I Uhns It'"

"The Door Swung Portentously Open"

Mrs. Farragut

"'It's About What Nobody Talks Of Much,' Said Twelve"

Little Horace

"Yelling Like Hawks at the White Balls Flew"

"'I've Got to Go Home'"

"When He Raised His Voice to Deny the Charge"

"'Aw, Come On!'"

"A Pair of Very Wet Mittens"

"Brought a Plate of Food"

"Horace Stared With Sombre Eyes at the Plate of Food"

"Some Sort of Bloody Handed Person"

"People, Bowed Forward"

"Eight Cents' Worth of Something"

"His Head Hung Low"

"'Mam ma! Mam ma! Oh, Mam ma!'"

THE MONSTER

I

Little Jim was, for the time, engine Number 36, and he was making the run between Syracuse and Rochester... Continue reading book >>




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